Illustrious Pompano swimming coach inducted into Hall

Duffy Dillon is known statewide for his dual role as the director and head coach of Fort Lauderdale Aquatics (FLA), the largest and most-recognized swimming program in South Florida.

As the former Olympic and Pan American coach teaches his craft to swimmers ages 5-105 at Fort Lauderdale's Aquatic Center, many of the upcoming stars are unfamiliar with the outstanding athletic career of their renowned teacher.

Dillon's athletic accomplishments were recognized in a big-time way at the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame awards ceremony on Nov. 8 at the Broward Convention Center. This year's other inductees were Olympic gymnast Wendy Bruce-Martin, University of Oklahoma athletic administrator Joe Castiglione, former Pompano Beach High School student-athlete and NFL player Barry Krauss, former New York Yankees head trainer Gene Monahan (retired) and former Miami Dolphin Louis Oliver.

Where his older brothers, Pat and Matt, showed their versatility by excelling in basketball, football and baseball, the youngest Dillon's success came in the water, but not without some initial challenges.

"Duffy would hang on the side of the pool with a death grip and scream at us," Pat said.

According to Matt, Duffy's father, John, would provide private lessons for the Hall of Fame swimmer so that he wouldn't drown in their backyard pool.

"As soon as he learned that water was not the enemy, he went on to set national age-group records," Matt said. "His strength was his competitiveness and incredible technique, and there was never a question that he was going to be an outstanding swimmer."

Dillon was a standout swimmer at Fort Lauderdale High School who went on to the University of Florida, where he won numerous National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships while setting NCAA and American records. The All-American served as captain of the USA team in 1985 and 1987, winning two gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the World University Games, Pan Pacific and Pan American Games.

A long-time Pompano Beach resident, Dillon was humbled and honored to be recognized with his fellow inductees.

"You don't ever start off in sports thinking you are going to make the Hall of Fame," Dillon said. "It takes a whole lot of coaches, great teammates and competitors to make this possible, and my parents [John and Gina, of Deerfield Beach] were with me every step of the way. Dare to dream and enjoy the ride as you only get to do this once."